Down in the deep oceans, there are unique ecosystems such as the “whale falls”, a sulphophilic community based on sulphur producing bacteria that rely on chemosynthesis (energy from chemicals) rather than photosynthesis (energy from sunlight). Then you get down to the thermal vents of the ocean floor that are home to similar chemosynthesis based life forms, the whole food chain relying on bacteria that are chemoautotrophs, meaning they take their energy from the mineral rich black “smoke” that spews from the vents. These communities thrive in a hostile environment, under deep pressure, living in darkness between thresholds of freezing water on one side and superheated discharge from the vents on the other. The deep sea is a vast, mysterious place full of wonders and creatures that almost seem alien to life as we known it.

Considering how little is known about this habitat and how relatively little it has been explored, I think the deep ocean is going to turn up some remarkable new discoveries. I don’t think it is going to be limited to smaller organisms either. There is a good possibility that some amazing discoveries of large creatures are going to be made. Exciting stuff.